Study Summary

Forty-eight patients with intertrochanteric fractures were randomized to receive either continuous intra-incisional bupivacaine infusion (n=24) or no infusion (n=24) following hip nailing surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity, measured by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, time to first morphine request, drug-related complications, and patient satisfaction within 24 hours postoperatively. Overall, the study found that patients receiving bupivacaine had significantly lower pain scores, reduced morphine consumption (p<0.001), delayed first morphine request (p<0.001), and fewer complications like nausea and vomiting (p=0.02). These findings suggest that continuous intra-incisional bupivacaine is effective in managing postoperative pain while minimizing opioid use and associated side effects.